Yes or No to a Lumbar Pad?

[Rock2r]

Finally getting around to building my BP/W. Set up is a Dive Rite SS plate w/STA, Transplate and older model 30lb Venture wing. Will be primarily using it with my 3mm suit in warm water. Debating whether to get the lumbar pad or not. The harness has to thread through the pad then the BP, so it wouldn't be something I would want to install and remove too often. Have been diving a Knighthawk and do like the comfort in the back.
Opinions please before I weave this this setup together.

[Cave Diver]

No. It seems like it would be a good idea, but I found it didnt help much and it held a ton of water. Took forever to dry and trapped some air making me need more weight as well.

I found all the padding stuff unnecessary.

[kanonfodr]

I think you'll find most of the backplate divers prefer to dive with either no pad or a small one like the Halcyon pad (which isn't much more than canvas, but it will hold an SMB). I've never had a pad on either of my backplates, and my aluminum plate has done some healthy hikes in doubles and I've never encountered undue suffering.

Peace,
Greg

[LeadTurn_SD]

No pad here. I use a 3mm suit here in Hawaii, and honestly I don't notice the backplate at all. Extremely comfortable.

Best wishes.

[pjones]

I don't use a pad. I have two layers of fleece under my drysuit that offer more than enough padding for me. My wife on the other hand seems to like it, however, refuses to try it without the pad... :dontknow:

I suggest trying it both ways, you may find you don't notice it and as stated earlier, if its made out of foam or some other buoyant material than you're going to need to add weight to the system to compensate. It may mean threading your webbing three times but at least you won't always wonder (it sounds like you have the pad already).

[dkktsunami]

No pad. Just means more weight to sink. You won't notice the plate through 3 mil suit.

[TSandM]

I've never felt the need for any padding, but I always use exposure protection of some kind.

[Scared Silly]

I use a thin pad when diving in my fleece suit. For thicker suits no need.

[cmburch]

I have the DR pad. It works well. It has drain holes on the bottom. The bottom 1" attachment strap intefers with the 2" crotch strap slot, so may require an adapter for use with 2" CS.

[deich]

No exposure suit in the summer here and see no difference with or without the pad.. Nice addition if it holds a smb...

[vinegarbiscuit]

I've never bothered with a pad. My plate has never proved uncomfortable - not even when diving only with a skin, let alone thicker exposure protection - so I regard it as a piece of superfluous equipment. A still-damp lumbar pad could also cost you when weighing your bags at an airline's check-in counter...avoiding baggage overage charges is hard enough as it is, right?

[DaMaDo]

I don't use a "lumbar pad" but I have the Hollis backpad which is pretty much just two layers of webbing with a logo and a pocket. There's no padding at all, but I like it because when I don't wear environmental protection, it keeps the "freezing" steel off my back. It also lets me store stuff in there. It dries fast and looks cool too ;).
With my 3mm there's no difference except having the pocket to store a small lift bag or smb.

Also, if you get one, leave the bottom two holes unbolted so you can access the bottom wingnut.

[kevindwhite]

I have both Hollis and DSS plates. I don't use a pad with either. In fact when I asked Tobin, owner of Deep Sea Supply, for a pad for my DSS plate his response was "you couldn't pay me to sell you a pad". If you feel like you really need one I suggest DIY before spending $$ on an "official" pad.

[Rock2r]

Thanks for all the feedback. I believe I will pass on the Dive Rite pad. Seems like a PITA to take on and of due to design. I think a "bookscrew" application would be much simpler as some have suggested. Anyone know which brand's holes line up best with Dive Rite's back plate holes? Halcyon maybe?